New Casting Intel Suggests Star Wars: Episode IX Is Looking For New Female Lead

Two weeks ago, we brought you the news that Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams were about to pluck a character from the old Expanded Universe – now known as simply Legends – to star opposite the likes of Daisy Ridley and John Boyega come 2019. Her name? Mara Jade, according to That Hashtag Show, though it’s still too soon to know for sure if that scoop will end up panning out.

Nevertheless, THS is back today with another Star Wars-related report, and it seems Abrams and his casting team, one led by Nina Gold, have now put out a call for an “ethnic female” between the ages of 18 and 26. This alleged piece of intel purportedly relates to a character by the name of Caro, who possesses a “captivating naturalness and ease to her manner,” imbuing her with the powers of a “leader and problem solver, smart with a great sense of humor and a strong will. All this comes to her effortlessly.” Color us intrigued.

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The question, really, is whether the ambiguous Caro (a codename, perhaps?) will become one of those Force-sensitive beings inspired by the events of The Last Jedi. Failing that, she could be introduced as a member of the flailing Resistance, though we imagine Rose Tico has that base covered.

Either way, news that Star Wars: Episode IX is casting the net in search of another female lead is music to our ears, particularly after the Lucasfilm sequel made history by naming Victoria Mahoney as second unit director. She’s now the first black woman to ever serve in any directing role within the time-honored franchise, where she’ll be working alongside J.J. Abrams and screenwriter Chris Terrio (Justice League) when production kicks off this summer.